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Training vs. Working Out: Which One Are You Doing?

Is there a Difference Between Exercise and Training?

Most people have their idea or version of getting fit.

You basically go to the gym, or roll out your exercise mat and perform a compilation of exercises that typically are enough to get your heart rate up and potentially make you sweat.

It’s physical activity.

Despite the physical benefits of exercise, there is most certainly a difference between getting exercise and training. And the two are often used interchangeably, creating a confusion about what they really are, and the intentions behind them both.

The main difference between the two is having an actual plan.

For example, ask yourself this:

When you go to your gym, do you have an idea of what you are going to do before going in?

Are you just winging the workouts so you can feel a burn, elevate your heart rate, and break a sweat?

Or are you following a multiple week training plan where each workout is designed to move you closer to a long term, in some cases, short term goal?

Exercise is physical activity performed for the effect it immediately produces.

Each workout is done to create a stress that satisfies an immediate need of the doer.

Burn calories.

Getting a bicep pump.

Doing some light stretches.

You can be doing the same routine every single time you go to the gym, as long as you feel like you got some work in.

And the good news?

ANY activity is better than none at all.

However, when someone is training, there is a long term end goal in mind.

For athletes, the goal is better performance.

Training for a specific goal involves a series of workouts that are calculated so that each and everyone moves the athlete forward.

It’s is more about the collective process verses the individual workouts during the process.

Each session creates an intended stress and adaptation the will increase performance and function.

Training plans are calculated, quantified, objectively measured, and backed by sound principle over just winging it every time you go to the gym.

Now, while this is tantamount for any serious athlete to train, verses just workout during their athletic journey, this is also useful for the very active adult who wants more out of their program.

If you are really trying to make a shift from just winging it every time you go into the gym, then do some research and outline a real training plan that will really help you to break barriers.

If time is a constraint, then hire a coach.

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While exercise is CERTAINLY better than doing nothing, training is what will elevate you to higher levels, and create for you long term results.

Exercise can be just movement.

Training involves a plan for a specific purpose.

Which of these do you feel like you have been doing the most?

If you need help creating a real training program to help you take your fitness to the next level, let’s set up a free call and see how I can help.